Kids are expensive. Your fun doesn’t have to be!

Hunt Easter eggs. Easter is on Sunday, April 9, so grab your baskets and head out. Bonus: Many of the hunts and events in our Easter Fun Guide are free to attend!

Courtesy of Deposit Photos

Get festive at Tryon Creek. The Annual Trillium Festival on Saturday, April 1, kicks off this spring month. There’s forest-themed activities, nature hikes, a plant sale and more.

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Courtesy of Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Find spring blooms. Spring has sprung! We round up the best places to spot newly sprouted blooms, including free spots like Tryon Creek, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Happy Valley Library and Laurelhurst Park.


Watch whales. Don’t miss the last two days of Whale Watch Week at the Oregon Coast. Trained volunteers will be available to help visitors spot this majestic marine mammals as they journey home after calving season.


Spot birds. Join Hillsboro Parks on their weekly Nature at Noon program each Wednesday from noon to 1 pm through May. This weekly event is for birders of all ages and experience.


Move from point A to point B. Have your kiddos get out their energy during this outdoor parkour workshop with Parkour Visions on Saturday, April 1. Children ages 7 and up will learn the fundamentals of parkour with games, safety demos and more.


Courtesy of Akil Mazumder

Celebrate Mother Earth. Earth Day is on April 22 and organization across the Portland area are getting in on the celebration with family-friendly hikes, workshops, cleanups and more.

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Shop local. Celebrate the grand opening of the Portland Indigenous Marketplace‘s new space. This culturally-specific, community response organization not only spotlights BIPOC makers and artisans, but a great place to support local!


Courtesy Powell’s Books

Hear a Story. Who doesn’t love a good story? Head to these spots for weekly storytimes for littles and kids: Story Time Saturday at The Craft Factory with the Literacy Lady PDX; weekly storytime in the children’s section at Powell’s; the Ledding Library in Milwaukie and at Green Bean Books. Do you have a kiddo looking to do the reading? Have them read to the dogs at Multnomah County libraries!


Bingo! Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Camas Library with a virtual bingo game! Kiddos in grades kindergarten through fifth grade are eligible — and winners receive fun prizes!


Catch ’em all. Head to Hillsboro for a guided Pokémon Go walk through the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve on Saturday, April 1. Don’t forget to download the app!


Belt it out. Each week, The Craft Factory hosts Open Mic Mondays from 6-9 pm. This family-friendly event features musicians, poets, comedians, dancers, writers, makers and more.


Roll out. Check out these kid-friendly bike paths. They’re also great for roller skates (and strollers!).


Courtesy of Meg Asby

See a waterfall. We love Wahclella Falls — it’s scenic and easy to access with kids. If you’re feeling more ambitious, go on a day trip to the Trail of Ten Falls, the “crown jewel” of Oregon trails.


Craft something. Get crafty with the kids by checking out our Hands On crafts projects. Pro tip: Many of these crafts can be made with items you have at home. Or check our Kids Calendar for free craft times at the library. Many also have make-and-take craft kits to go!


Courtesy of Amanda Crandall

Bake for kids in foster care. Check out this kid-friendly volunteer opportunity you can do from the comfort of your own kitchen.


Park for free. Metro Free Parking Day is Thursday, April 20! Enjoy free parking at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, Broughton BeachChinook Landing Marine Park, and M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp. Plus, on April 22, get free entrance to national parks, including including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Crater Lake.


Courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation

Explore a new neighborhood. In our Neighborhood Guide, we highlight family-friendly spots to eat and play in neighborhoods across the quadrants.


Keep teens busy. TeenForce is a free, after school program at five community centers around the city and is available for youth ages 10 to 20. The pass includes access to designated open swims, gyms and more.  


Portland Flea
Courtesy Portland Flea

Shop and snack. Don’t miss the perfect place to find new locally-made goods, while noshing on locally-sourced foods! This month, the Portland Flea is on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30.

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